Owner's Manual

76
Other New Features
We’ve made refinements and
improvements to several features
of the Performance Computer.
EASIER-TO-READ DISPLAYS
We’ve improved some of the timed run screens.
New Horsepower readout:
The display now shows the peak horsepower reading
and speed first, the average horsepower second.
New Brake Test readout:
.
Max Speed 109.3
324HP60mph 296av
60-0 Brake Test
168 feet 3.09 sec
IMPROVED DEFAULT SETTINGS
Vehicle Weight:
The default vehicle weight (used for horsepower cal-
culation) is now 3500 lb. (In metric mode, it is 1600kg.)
Brake Test:
The brake test feature is now normally ON. To per-
form a brake test, start a timed run as normal, accel-
erate to at least 63mph/105kph (but no higher than
80mph/130kph), then begin your brake test.
CHANGE IN DEMO MODE
If you put the Performance Computer in the “demo
mode” (a special mode that continuously scrolls
through the product’s significant features), it will stay
in that mode, even if unplugged and plugged back in.
To start
or stop the demo mode:
1. Unplug the unit or disconnect power to it.
2. Press the UP button and the G-METER button.
3. Reconnect power while you hold the two buttons.
HORSEPOWER CALCULATION
We’ve improved the accuracy of the engine horsepower
calculations of the Performance Computer.
We’ve added an additional correction factor, called
“Mass Factor.” Roller-type (chassis) dynamometers typi-
cally measure horsepower with the car in 4th gear. We
believe most users of the Performance Computer will
measure their horsepower at lower speeds. In lower
gears, the effective mass of your car is increased, due
to an increased effect of the rotating inertia of the driv-
etrain. Suggested settings for “Mass Factor” in the setup
mode are 20% to measure horsepower in 1st gear, 7%
to measure horsepower in 2nd gear, 3% to measure
horsepower in 3rd gear, and 0% to measure horsepower
in 4th gear (or higher gears). The default Mass Factor
(adjustable in the Setup mode) is 7%, which assumes
you will measure horsepower in 2nd gear (which cov-
ers speeds to approximately 60 mph in most cars).
For accurate horsepower measurements
For the most accurate horsepower measurements dur-
ing a timed run, shift early and shift smoothly, letting
your car accelerate at full throttle through the engine’s
entire RPM range. The unit measures horsepower from
30 mph through 60 mph (you can adjust this speed
range in the setup mode). The peak horsepower is dis-
played along with your other run results after the run.
But remember, horsepower readings are affected by
temperature, humidity, slope of the road, air density,
and other factors. As such, the horsepower readings
will not exactly match the results of an engine dyna-
mometer, which is performed in a much more controlled
(and therefore repeatable) environment.
CHANGE IN DATALOGGER MODE
We’ve improved the datalogger mode (see details on
page 30 in the Owner’s Manual). Now the Datalogger
records acceleration, braking and cornering G-Forces
10 times per second, for a single run that can be as
long as 22 minutes.
SETUP MODE ITEMS
“Mass Factor” (new item)
See horsepower calculation information on this page.
“Factory Default” is eliminated.
To restore factory defaults, instead use the procedure
on page 33 of the Owner’s Manual.
“Skidpad” (new item)
This lets you choose the time period for averaging the
skidpad cornering force. It is adjustable from 1 to 16
seconds, the default is 2 seconds.